Why Is The Name of The Church Important

In yet another bold move since he was called as the new prophet, President Russell M. Nelson announced a course correction regarding the name of the Church. The official public statement and the revised style guide1 issued has dropped all other nicknames for the church, such as “Mormon Church,” “LDS Church,” and “Church of Latter-day Saints.” It may be just a name – or a nickname – for some. However, for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the effort is all about following the Lord’s command – to only call His Church in His name.

What’s in a Name?

Immediately after the announcement, involved blogs, websites, and social media pages changed their names – one by one – in accordance with the Prophet’s words. Even the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir followed suit with its new name – The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. Names and brands that took years to build were gone in seconds. One might ask, “Are all these measures necessary? Aren’t people going too extreme for a mere name correction?”

The name of the church is not inconsequential and not negotiable, President Nelson explained. “When it comes to nicknames of the Church…the most important thing…is the absence of the Savior’s name.”2 The absence of the Savior’s name in His church, he added, already means victory for Satan and a disregard for Jesus Christ’s role.

Historically speaking, the nicknames of the Church – particularly Mormons – have negative connotations. The term Mormons was first used in the 1830s by people who had antagonistic feelings toward the Church. It is, by all means, derogatory. Although in recent years, others have accepted the nickname, it remains tangled with controversial issues.

Let’s prove this claim by having an experiment on the web. Type the phrase “are Mormons…” into Google, and the predictions that come up will prove that the term “Mormons” is still associated with negative issues like polygamy.

Google shows that the word Mormons still show some negative connotations.

Missionaries can perhaps attest to this. One sister said “When I introduced myself to people using the Church’s full name printed on my nametag, many would look confused, so I would ask, ‘Do you know the Mormon Church?’ This follow-up was usually met with immediate recognition, but it came with a price. The moment ‘Mormon Church’ was mentioned, people questioned me [about] whether the Church was a cult or not. Thus, I learned through my proselyting experiences that when Jesus Christ was removed from the Church’s name, people [thought] the Church was nothing but a cult. Truly, the name is everything in the Church.”

“Thus, shall my church be called”

The name of the church is of such great importance that it was a subject of disputations among members in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon. To these disputations, Paul taught:

“Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were you baptized in the name of Paul?”3

Christ taught the people, “And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses’ name then it be Moses’ church; or if it be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name then it is my church.”4

There is no clearer explanation for the name of the Church than Christ’s own explanation. Because it is Christ’s Church, it only makes sense that it should be named after Him. If the Church is called by any other name then it is not His, but a man’s.

Another important question that might arise in connection with correcting the name of the Church is the use of the phrase “of Latter-Day Saints” after the words “The Church of Jesus Christ.” After all, we see no directive in the Book of Mormon or the Bible about this matter. The answer can be found in a compilation of modern revelations known as the Doctrine and Covenants. Jesus Christ Himself said,

“For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”5

Why the addition? Members believe that the Church went through a period called the Great Apostasy following the death of the Savior and His Apostles. Great Apostasy means that Christ’s Church and the authority needed to lead it were gone for a time. To emphasize that there was an actual restoration of the Church through the Prophet Joseph Smith, Jesus Christ said His Church was to be called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The revised style guide released by the First Presidency encouraged the use of the full name of the Church, which is “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” However, for shortened reference, it is acceptable to use “the Church,” “the Church of Jesus Christ,” and “restored Church of Jesus Christ.” Members can still be called “Latter-day Saints.” The term “members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” is also accurate when referring to people of the Church.

Correcting the Errors

The name correction is never about rebranding, President Nelson taught. Brands only concern man-made organizations, which Christ’s Church is not. It also does not mean any disrespect for the prophet-historian Mormon. Doing away with the Church’s “other names” is about being accurate. President Nelson said of the ancient prophet Mormon:

“I think Mormon would be very embarrassed if he knew people were calling it the Mormon Church.”6

Now, here’s the big question: How can we erase hundred-year-old nicknames of the Church? It will take a long time. Years. Maybe even decades to do so. Or the nicknames may never be gone at all. But through our earnest efforts, “the Lord will lead us through.”

President Nelson gave some advice on how we can correct others regarding the name of the Church:

“We will want to be courteous and patient in our efforts to correct these errors. Responsible media will be sympathetic in responding to our request.”

The Change Should Start From Us

The reason why it is important for the name correction to start with the members of the Church can be found in a verse in Alma:

“Now I would that ye should remember that God has said that the inward vessel shall be cleansed first, and then shall the outer vessel be cleansed also.”7

The Latter-day Saints are inward vessels. By becoming better at using the Church’s proper name, others who are not of the same faith – the outer vessels – will do it as well.

President Nelson also thinks the same. He told members during his recent trip to Canada,

“It’s disingenuous for us to believe that we’re frustrated because the others don’t call us by the right name when we don’t call us by the right name ourselves. We’ve got to clean up our own part first, and then the media will follow—they’ll be gracious.”

Correcting an established habit and “identity” are quite challenging, but it is possible. Sincere and earnest efforts to follow the Lord will always be met with help from heaven. As the name correction takes place, a “pour down” of blessings, “the likes of which we have never seen” will come from on high, just as the Prophet promised.

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Commitment to our highest priority﻿—to love and serve God﻿—requires that we look to His law for our standard of behavior. For example, we remain under divine command not to commit adultery or fornication even when those acts are no longer crimes under the laws of the states or countries where we reside. Similarly, laws legalizing so-called “same-sex marriage” do not change God’s law of marriage or His commandments and our standards concerning it. We remain under covenant to love God and keep His commandments and to refrain from serving other gods and priorities﻿—even those becoming popular in our particular time and place.

In this determination we may be misunderstood, and we may incur accusations of bigotry, suffer discrimination, or have to withstand invasions of our free exercise of religion. If so, I think we should remember our first priority﻿—to serve God﻿—and, like our pioneer predecessors, push our personal handcarts forward with the same fortitude they exhibited. — Dallin H Oaks

Satan is the father of all lies, especially when it comes to misrepresentations about our own divine nature and purpose. Thinking small about ourselves does not serve us well. Instead it holds us back. As we’ve often been taught, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” We can stop comparing our worst to someone else’s best. “Comparison is the thief of joy.”

In contrast, the Lord assures us that when we have virtuous thoughts, He will bless us with confidence, even the confidence to know who we really are. There’s never been a more crucial time to heed His words. “Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly,” He said. “Then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and … the Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion.” — Joy D. Jones

"Now, if you have stepped off the path, may I invite you with all the hope in my heart to please come back. Whatever your concerns, whatever your challenges, there is a place for you in this, the Lord’s Church. You and generations yet unborn will be blessed by your actions now to return to the covenant path. Our Father in Heaven cherishes His children, and He wants each of us to return home to Him. This is a grand goal of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints﻿—to help each of us to come back home." — President Russell M Nelson

I used to be that typical teenager who gives my parents headache, letting them worry what time I will be coming home, where am I and who am I with. I used to hang out with friends and do things that I thought before, was the definition of happiness.

When I was about to graduate from college, I experienced how it felt to be lost, scared, and sad for no exact reason. I got tired of feeling helpless until one day I decided to go back to church and from there I started reading the Book of Mormon, attend church activities and institute classes. I was called to be a primary teacher, a ward missionary and a YSA representative.

I have felt the security that I've been looking for by obeying God's commandments and serving His people. I have felt pure joy. I have felt the love and welcoming arms of our Heavenly Father and His son, our Savior Jesus Christ.

It just feels great being honest with your own mistakes. As a result of acknowledging this, we grow in faith and we begin to change how we think and do. Despite the wrong turns I made, my Savior was there to lift me up. I've learned that many times God doesn't reveal things to you until you become obedient.

He knows that transitioning from the past habits is never easy. I just had to take one small steps each time going towards Him. The closer I get, the more I realize I didn't want to fall back to my old ways. I realized that He had put the rules in place not to punish us, but to protect us.

Sin is one small step after another that takes us away from God. But our Father loves us so much that He made a way out. He gave us His Son to atone for the debts we can never pay. He wants only the best for us and that is, a life full of joy.

Alma the Younger gave me hope that it doesn't matter who you used to be but what matters is who and what you're becoming through the help of Jesus Christ. The Gospel has truly changed not only my life but also the people around me. I am blessed to understand the Plan of Happiness and I want to do my best to invite others to come and know for themselves that this church is true.

- Bianca Mangiliman
Bicutan Ward, Taguig Philippines Stake
Called to serve in Utah, St. George Mission

When I received my mission call, some of my friends shouted for joy. I share with them the same feeling and I'm happy to serve a full-time mission and represent Jesus Christ.

I'm excited to invite others to come unto Christ, teach them the importance of repentance and share them the blessings of the Atonement. I also know that families can be together forever and I'd love to share that message to all the world.

I'm assigned to labor in Korea Seoul South Mission. I always remind myself that it's not where you serve but how you serve the people in that place. I always have that wonderful feeling in my heart for the people in South Korea. I admit that I'm hooked with some Korean TV series and other shows ever since it became a trend.

I know that blessings will come to me and to my family as I "go where He wants me to go and do what He wants me to do". I know the Lord won't forget us. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love us. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church. I know the Book of Mormon and the restored gospel can change you to become better. 사랑해요

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